ISSUE: FDA notified healthcare professionals of a Class I recall of the Vascular Solutions Inc., Guardian II and Guardian II NC Hemostasis Valves, Model Numbers 8210, 8211, 8215, and 8216. The firm is recalling the product due to a risk that air may be introduced into the device which may lead to an air embolism. This product may cause serious adverse health consequences, including death.

A list of the recalled lot numbers is available from Vascular Solutions and has been provided to each facility that purchased the affected products. The recalled products were manufactured and distributed from February 2012 to February 2013.

RECOMMENDATION: On Feb. 28, 2013, Vascular Solutions sent an "Urgent Medical Device Recall" letter to its customers. The letter described the problem and the product involved in the recall. The firm advised its customers to immediately remove the recalled product from their inventory and secure it.

Healthcare professionals and patients are encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of these products to the FDA's MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program: